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*November 1, 2005 – *Sony upgraded the sleek T7, adding another megapixel, more internal memory, and an image stabilization system to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9. The 6-megapixel digital camera has a very similar body to the T7, but borrows the wider sliding door from the earlier T5 and adds a cosmetic band along the bottom of it. The modes and features are basically the same; the T9 keeps the large 2.5-inch LCD screen with 230,000 pixels and the Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lens. The Sony Cyber-shot T9 will retail for $449 when it starts shipping in mid-January 2006.
"Our T Series set the standard for slim, stylish, point-and-shoot cameras with fine image quality," said James Neal, director of digital imaging products at Sony, in today’s press release. "Now the use of this category of cameras is pervasive. With the DSC-T9, we are taking this category a step further by incorporating advanced imaging technologies that ensure that you get the shot, even in unfavorable light conditions, like nightclubs and restaurants."
One of those advanced imaging technologies is the SteadyShot image stabilization system included within the Sony T9’s tiny lens. According to today’s press release, "Sony is the first manufacturer to incorporate an advanced lens-shift optical imaging stabilizer into a camera with a folded-path lens system." All of the T Series digital cameras have Carl Zeiss lenses that do not extend from the body and allow the cameras to retain a slim and flat pocket size.
Another advanced imaging technology that Sony is marketing on this model is its ISO 640 setting. This high sensitivity will allow photographers to capture pictures in low light. The ISO 640 setting caps the high end of the ISO range that starts at 64. This tops off the earlier T7’s 64-400 range that is very typical of compact digital cameras.
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9 also has some characteristics of a digital photo viewer. Its 2.5-inch LCD screen certainly provides the view while the T9’s 58 MB of internal memory provides the power. Sony couples these features with slide show effects like fades, wipes, and music to make playback a lot more interesting – even without a computer.
The Sony Cyber-shot T9 is the same price as the T7 at $449, but the T9 has much better features. Image stabilization and 58 MB if internal memory are features that are in demand this year, as well as the large 2.5-inch LCD screen. The sleek body and the 240-shot battery life just sweeten the offerings of the Sony T9.